8 Best Acne Face Washes 2024

Our Number 1 Pick

#1 – Misumi Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser

$33.95 (One bottle should last you 2-3 months.)

Picking the number 1 acne cleanser was surprisingly not a hard choice. After trying over fifty of the best rated acne cleansers, we’ve come to a conclusion that Misumi’s Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser is by far the most powerful and effective cleanser on the market. It easily beats out tough competitors like Murad, Curology, and Proactiv.

This breakthrough formula is a powerful blend of Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, and Salicylic acid, the three ‘miracle acne-fighting ingredients’. The trio work together to unclog and tighten pores, remove impurities that cause acne, and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process.

The cleanser also incorporates Lavender which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and swelling, while also preventing severe acne scars.

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Customer Before and After Picture

Best For: Oily, normal, combination, and acne-prone skin

Pros

• Powerful combination of Lactic, Glycolic, and Salicylic acid
• High concentration of premium quality ingredients
• Calms breakouts and reduces redness and swelling
• Promotes even skin tone
• Naturally derived
• 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Cons

• There are cheaper options out there

Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings on the cleanser. Easy cancellation anytime.

Customer Reviews of Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser

Best for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

#2 – Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Facial Cleanser

With skin-brightening vitamin C and blackhead-banishing salicylic acid, this wash is a “refreshing way to start off your morning and treat acne and red marks,” says Dr. Saedi. The grapefruit scent is a great way to perk yourself up in the a.m., too.

Pros:

• contains Salicylic acid
• good for deep cleansing
• good price
• gentle formula for more sensitive skin

Cons:

• Not sufficient on its own for fighting acne

Best For Both Anti-aging and Acne-Prone Skin

#4 – La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Acne Wash

This 2% salicylic acid face wash from La Roche-Posay sops up excess oil and contains lipo hydroxy acid, a micro-exfoliant that buffs away dirt and smooths out skin.

Pros:

• Great for blackheads and whiteheads
• Good choice for individuals with mild acne

Cons:

• Does not directly fight or kill acne-causing bacteria

#5 – Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser

If anything reminds you of your teen years, it’s probably Clean & Clear products—but they work! This pick contains 10% benzoyl peroxide (the strongest you’ll find), so it offers serious bacteria-killing power if your skin can tolerate it, says Dr. Saedi. Menthol also leaves behind a tingly, cooling effect—great for those painful bumps. While its intended for daily use, lathering up with this every day might be a bit drying, so give your skin a break if it needs it.

Pros:

• Benzoyl Peroxide fights acne-causing bacteria.

Cons:

• 10% B.P. is a strong formula. Not suitable for sensitive skin
• Causes dryness and may cause peeling. Best to moisturize after use.

#6 – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This basic cleanser is a dermatologist favorite for a reason—it’s designed to wash away impurities without irritating, making it great for acne-prone skin. It’s especially soothing for those with a sensitive complexion or eczema, says Dr. Saedi. 

#7 – Traditional Sulfur Soap Cleansing Bar

Sulfur calms down redness and inflammation, says Dr. Saedi. Catch is, it’s not always pleasant-smelling. However, reviewers of this bar, which acts as an antiseptic and antifungal, say it has a mild fragrance and (most importantly) really fades both mild and cystic acne.

#8 – Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser for Oily Skin (6.77oz)

The addition of charcoal (a great ingredient for oily skin) to this 1% salicylic acid cleanser helps penetrate clogged pores to clear out blackheads, says Dr. Saedi.

#9 – Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control 3-in-1 Foaming Wash

The 2% salicylic acid in this foaming cleanser treats existing breakouts while keeping P. acnes bacteria at bay to prevent future ones. 

Conclusion

If you’re tired of acne, try one of the best acne face washes in 2024. They will unclog your pores and get rid of inflammation and blackheads. These cleansers are one of the best ways to gently exfoliate your skin and improve its texture, too.